Clay Risen
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Ben Baldanza, Who Brought No-Frills Flying to Spirit Airlines, Dies at 62
He introduced ticket prices that couldn’t be beat, but asked fliers to pay extra for nearly everything, including water, carry-ons and printed tickets.
Jim Hoagland, Distinguished Journalist on World Affairs, Dies at 84
A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, he was a reporter, editor and columnist for The Washington Post, renowned for his deeply sourced dispatches.
Murray McCory, 80, Dies; JanSport Founder Created the School Backpack
He brought lightweight packs to millions of students and transformed the way they carried their textbooks to school.
Lynda Obst, Producer Who Championed Women in Hollywood, Dies at 74
She helped make films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Contact.” She also wrote widely about the industry, for The Times and other publications.
Toni Vaz, Stuntwoman and Founder of N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards, Dies at 101
She created a program to honor Black artistic success in the 1960s. But she spent decades trying to get its organizers to recognize her role.
Marvin Preston IV, 80, Dies; Saved the Martha Graham Dance Company
An expert at rescuing distressed companies, he took over the struggling organization in 2000, leading it through a painful restructuring and a lengthy legal battle.
Marvin Schlachter, Record Executive Who Championed Disco, Dies at 90
In the 1960s, he helped get wide exposure for Black artists like Dionne Warwick. A decade later, he brought dance music from the clubs to...
Frank Fritz, a Host of the Antiques Show ‘American Pickers,’ Dies at 58
He and his friend Mike Wolfe launched the treasure-hunting show in 2010, part of a wave of reality TV aimed at finding fortune in everyday...
JD Souther, Who Wrote Hits for the Eagles, Dies at 78
A central figure in the Southern California rock scene of the 1970s, he later had a regular role on the TV show “Nashville.”
Will Jennings, Oscar Winner for ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ Dies at 80
As an in-demand lyricist, he won a shelf of awards for hits with Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton and Dionne Warwick, as well as for the...